Champions Saints start with big win over Nomads on Cymru Premier opening weekend
- Published
New Saints players celebrate agfer Declan McManus scored their fourth goal against Connah's Quay
JD Cymru Premier
Friday, 11 August
Haverfordwest County 0-0 Pontypridd United: Haverfordwest and Pontypridd started their seasons with a goalless draw at Bridge Meadow. Pontypridd twice came close in the first half but Bluebirds goalkeeper Zac Jones twice tipped efforts over the bar.
The visitors skimmed the post from distance to begin the second half before Lee Jenkins forced a smart save out of George Ratcliffe at the other end. Neither team could find a late winner as both had to settle for an opening day point.
The New Saints 6-2 Connah's Quay Nomads: There was an eight-goal thriller to open to season at Park Hall, as champions The New Saints beat travelling Connah's Quay Nomads 5-2. Noah Edwards put Nomads ahead after just two minutes, but Adrian Cieslewicz levelled 10 minutes later.
The visitors led for a second time when Jordan Davies tapped home, but this lead lasted even less time as Cieslewicz hit back immediately. Declan McManus put TNS ahead on first-half injury time before they stretched clear in the second half.
McManus' second made it 4-2 to the hosts before Jordan Williams put TNS three goals clear with over half an hour still to play. Leo Smith finished off the scoring late in the game when he added TNS' sixth of the game.
Saturday, 12 August
Aberystwyth Town 0-1 Cardiff Met: Elliot Evans had an eventful game, scoring the winning goal for the Archers before being sent off for a second bookable offence. Aberystwyth, who are in their 32nd successive season in the top-flight, piled on the pressure against 10 men, but could not find the breakthrough they needed.
Bala Town 1-0 Barry Town United: Despite a raft of summer departures, Bala got their season off to a winning start courtesy of an injury-time goal from Iwan Roberts. Barry, who returned to the Cymru Premier after winning last season's Cymru South title, had to finish the game with 10 men after Kayne McLaggon picked up a second yellow card for a foul inside the box.
Newtown 1-3 Penybont: Penybont enjoyed their highest finish of third last season since their promotion to the Cymru Premier in 2019. Manager Rhys Griffiths signed Chris Venables from Bala Town this summer, and the experienced striker netted twice in the first half to give Bont a commanding lead. Newtown, who narrowly missed out in last season's European play-off final, went further behind with an own goal after the break, before summer recruit Jason Oswell pulled one back.
Sunday, 13 August
Colwyn Bay 0-4 Caernarfon Town: Colwyn Bay's Cymru Premier debut ended in disappointment in front of a crowd of over 1,400. Caernarfon secured an impressive win with Darren Thomas' header giving them a first half lead before three goals in 10 minutes sealed the win, with Adam Davies' brace and Zac Clarke scoring on his debut after his arrival on loan from Chester.
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